10/23/2011

Creating What’s in my Heart • by Lolly Chessie

Encouraging the Passion
Arts and crafts have always been a part of my life, and are present in my earliest memories. My mom and I used to do ceramics and paint rocks together (she was doing oil painting on canvas and would let me use her paints on my favorite rocks). She was always creating and encouraged me every step of the way to continually create, experiment, and try new media and techniques. Even though she was a painter, early on she figured out that I was more of a 3-D crafter and would get me clay and other elements to use to encourage that passion.

Staying True to Yourself
Working full-time keeps me super busy (sadly there aren’t any rock painting activities in my 9–5 routine). I love my job but I know that I need my own special creative time to keep a good balance in my life. I’m lucky enough to have two rooms in my house completely dedicated to arts and crafts (which I’m in almost every single day). I create what’s in my heart using the materials that mean the most to me (which just so happen to be felt, wood, burlap, and jute). I think it’s important to use what you love and create whatever you want. Staying true to yourself should be your main goal when you sit down to make something. For me, art tends to flow a little easier when you use materials that speak to your heart.

Grateful for my Mom
I am grateful for my mom for always encouraging me to dabble in a little bit of everything. Her support and guidance has led me down a path that touches my life in a positive way every single day.